What is a Herniated Disc?

Any problems with the spinal cord are painful and often very serious; one such problem is a herniated disc. If you are suffering from this condition, you are most likely in a large amount of pain. In the center of each of your intervertebral discs is located a very soft gelatinous areas; each area is called the nucleus pulposus. When you are suffering from a herniated disc, this portion of the disc is forced out of the limited space, due to a weakened area. When this happens, the nerves in this area are pinched, which causes a shooting pain that travels down your back into your legs, or into your neck or arms.